Finding Balance

Becoming a mom is a wonderful experience (of course!), but between working, cleaning, and caring for your baby, it can also be time-consuming. Huggies has some quick, easy ways to help give you a break.

Cleaning up for guests

Cleaning up for guests

How to make your home presentable enough for company.

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It's common, accepted advice: Clean as you go. Put away mail as you open it, wipe down counters as you get them dirty, and wash dishes as you use them. But realistically, that's not always feasible. On occasion, you have friends coming over, and you have exactly five minutes to undo two weeks of damage. Don't worry, all is not lost! Remember, it's okay if your house still looks lived in when you're done with these tips.

Hit the bathroom

People can forgive piles of dishes or dusty baseboards, but chances are, they'll have to use the bathroom. Even when it's unintentional, guests always notice a dirty bathroom. Do you really want them making snap judgments about your cleanliness level (or lack thereof)?

For this reason, one of your top priorities should be removing those scummy lines around the tub and in the toilet. You don't have to deep clean — just tackle the dirt with a blast of cleaning solution. And if all else fails, shut your shower curtain. Also, wiping down the fixtures and counter in your bathroom can make a visible change in the bathroom's appearance.

Clear the sink

If you don't have time to run the dishwasher or wash all your dirty dishes by hand, at least make the pile look presentable. Place them all in the sink and consolidate the mess to lessen the overall untidy and cluttered look of the kitchen. On the other hand, if you have a dishwasher, don't be ashamed to jam-pack all your dishes inside, which is akin to sweeping the mess under your bed.

Sweep or vacuum

A pass over the carpet with a vacuum cleaner will pick up dirt you didn't even know was there. This instantly freshens up the room and is especially crucial if people are going to be sitting on the floor. It's unflattering for your guests to notice a clump of hair or a ball of pet fur on the carpet. If all else fails: Go outside.

Host your bash outside, if possible. Avoid the house altogether! An outdoor barbecue party is always fun (weather permitting). Use paper plates and plastic utensils to create the least amount of work when the party is over. Guests will clean up after themselves if it's easy to find a trash can, so place several trash cans and recycling bins where everyone can find them.

Realistic Parenting New Year's Resolutions

Making parenting New Year’s resolutions isn’t about trying to be the perfect parent. Instead, focus on what’s in your control and make attainable, realistic goals.

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By Rebecca Levey

Every new year brings an opportunity to look back and think about the good and the not-so-good moments. When it comes to parenting, there are always times we regret and those we cherish. Making resolutions is an opportunity to move past the ones that
weren't your best parenting moments and focus on how to create more positive parenting experiences. Making parenting New Year’s resolutions shouldn’t be about trying to be the perfect parent, or molding your child into the perfect kid. Instead, focus
on what’s actually in your control and give yourself attainable, realistic goals.

Create more fun.

Most kids will tell you it’s the experiences of childhood they remember the most, not the stuff. Think of ways to incorporate more play and family time into your monthly routines. Put on some music and have impromptu dance parties with your little ones,
designate a regular family movie night where everyone cuddles up in their pajamas, or if your kids are old enough, including them in the preparation and cooking of family meals, are simple ways to bring everyone together with fun activities.

Be patient, even with yourself.

It’s easy to lose your cool when you’re juggling a million different chores, kids, responsibilities and expectations. Something has to give, and it's often your last nerve. Resolving to be more patient can take many forms. Practice taking a step
back and breathing deeply when you feel the irritation building, delegate more often, and if your kids are older institute a chore chart so the load is shared.

Keep your eye on the big picture.

You are raising future adults who will hopefully be responsible, kind, smart and hard working. But, they will never be perfect. Most kids go through various phases of behavior and different habits – and not all will be wonderful. However, in the end,
they will grow up, and most likely not be carrying their blankie off to college or still crawling into your bed at 12 years old. Try to treasure the great moments and put the not-so-great ones in perspective.

Make “me” time.

It’s easy to get lost in the chaos of parenthood, but the best example you can set for your kids is to show that you value yourself. Whether it’s a monthly book club with your friends and a girls’ night out, or a long bath that is your weekly “do not
disturb” ritual, or date night with your spouse, make sure you schedule time that is truly just for you.

Setting small achievable goals, the kind that you can check off on a mental (or physical) to-do list, will be more effective than an all caps RESOLUTION. Think about the advice you give your kids when they want to give up on a new task
or hobby. If you practice a little every day, keep trying even when you're frustrated, and reward yourself for incremental successful steps, you will find yourself attaining some genuinely blissful parenting moments. Or at the very least,
joyfully making pancakes together on lazy Sunday mornings.

Image: Getty

Realistic Parenting New Year's Resolutions

Making parenting New Year’s resolutions isn’t about trying to be the perfect parent. Instead, focus on what’s in your control and make attainable, realistic goals.

Bringing Sexy Back

You're wondering if you'll ever be "in the mood" again. Try these pampering ideas and who knows? Couple time may suddenly look appealing.

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Feeling sexy after baby: getting back to you

Pop quiz: the baby's just gone down for the night, and your husband turns to you and gives you...that look. Do you A) whip out your hottest lingerie, or B) roll your eyes and say, "You have GOT to be kidding?"

If your answer is closer to "B" than "A," don't worry, you're not alone. You may have been noticing that when it comes to being "in the mood," an uninterrupted good night's sleep is at the top of your list. Don't fret. It's pretty normal. At some point after their baby is born, many women find themselves wondering if they're ever going to feel amorous or relaxed or desirable again.

Hey, it's understandable. After nine (million) months of pregnancy and taking care of a demanding newborn day and night, it's hard to feel like a sexual being again! You're tired, busy, and you may not be feeling 100% confident about your body.

While lots of new mamas go through a stage where the last thing on their mind is sex, it's important to reconnect with your husband when you're feeling up for it. And if you're starting to wonder if you're ever going to feel up for it, hang in there — there are some painless, baby-step ways to get your mojo back on track!

Indulge yourself

How can you feel sexy when you're constantly working, cleaning and taking care of everyone but yourself? Don't fall into the trap of feeling guilty for taking time away from your child in order to give yourself some attention. It's vital that you give yourself permission to relax and sneak in a little "you time." Ultimately, you'll feel recharged and have more energy for your busy life. After all, the laundry isn't going anywhere (unfortunately).

Here's the deal: it is officially okay to take off that SuperMom cape and focus on yourself. Personal time is important, especially when you need a break from all the demands of motherhood.

Give yourself a fun, feel-good treat: Get your hair done, schedule a full-body massage, get a manicure...whatever lifts your spirits and makes you feel special. A little self-indulgence can go a long way towards reconnecting you with YOU.

Focus on health

If you're feeling overwhelmed with exhaustion, you might need to take a break from your All Baby, All the Time schedule to pay attention to your own needs on the healthy-you front. Are you treating yourself with kindness and care, just like you're doing for your baby? Consider these healthful hints for new moms:

Get your beauty rest. This can be hard with a little one in the house, but after those crazy early newborn months you should be settling into a manageable sleep routine. If you're not getting enough sleep (and let's be honest, what mom is?), try cutting back on the caffeine, even though it may seem counter-productive. Avoid sugar right before bed. Enlist some help from others in your household — maybe someone else can take night duty with the baby for a while.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water truly does a body good. It adds natural moisture to your skin, helps your body flush out waste, and helps rev up your metabolism. If you're not getting enough to drink throughout the day, you're bound to experience some ill effects — dehydration can cause headaches and affect your ability to concentrate. Not only that, but when you're dehydrated, your blood volume is lowered, which makes your heart work harder to supply your body with oxygen. Translation: fatigue.

The "E" word. It may seem like the very last thing you have energy for is exercising, but think of it this way: Getting physical helps you feel more like getting physical (if you know what we mean!). You don't have to launch into a marathon gym routine in order to experience the benefits. You can start by taking your baby out in a stroller a few times a week for a brisk walk. It gets your blood flowing, your heart pumping, and boosts your body image.

Make it a priority

The most important thing you can do in your own personal Bringing Sexy Back campaign is simply to make it a priority. Find a babysitter, and schedule a date night with your husband — no babies allowed! Get dressed up in your favorite wow-'em outfit, even if you'd rather be hanging out in sweatpants. Cut back on overloaded to-do lists if you're feeling like there just isn't time for downtime. Most of all, put your partnership right up there with motherhood. Give it the attention it deserves.

It's not always easy to switch out of Mommy Mode, especially when you might be feeling self-conscious or just plain tired. Remember that keeping your marriage healthy — and feeling good about yourself — is one of the most loving things you can do for your family. Give yourself the gift of reclaiming your inner-babe, because you deserve it!

Bringing Sexy Back

You're wondering if you'll ever be "in the mood" again. Try these pampering ideas and who knows? Couple time may suddenly look appealing.

Going beyond goo goo

Here's a great perspective from one speech-language pathologist who admits that she talks "baby talk" to babies. It might be really important for them.

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What is baby talk?

It's time to confess. I'm a speech-language pathologist who talks "baby talk" to babies. And not only do I enjoy doing so, I maintain that it's good for them.

Baby talk refers to standard vocabulary words that have been modified by grownups to make them easier for Baby to say. They contain easier sounds, shorter syllables and lots of repetition. For example, the baby talk word for stomach is "tum-tum," for good night, "nightie-night," for urinate, "pee-pee" and so on.

In addition to using different words with babies, it's natural for adults to exaggerate pitch, slow the pace, and simplify sentence structure. When a baby enters the room, note how your pitch gets higher and you begin talking silly. This is an instinctive way of communicating with babies, and it makes learning to talk fun for grownups and babies alike.

Baby talk is a variation of adult language, invented by adults and passed on to each generation of babies; its sole purpose being to teach children to talk.

The science of baby talk

Peter Farb, a linguist and anthropologist, carried out a fascinating study about baby talk. He researched the vocabulary of six very different languages — English and Spanish, two Asian languages, Comanche, and the language of a non-literate community in Siberia.

He discovered that every one of these languages had a baby talk vocabulary. While the actual baby talk words differed, of course, from culture to culture, the themes were amazingly similar.

In all languages studied, the baby-talk words referred to eating, sleeping, toileting, good and bad behavior, animal names and terms for close relatives. These are the types of words that are most important in the life of every baby.

My own experience

When my daughter, Isabel, was just beginning to talk, there were many things she wanted to say but couldn't, because the words she needed contained consonant sounds that were too difficult.

For example, at 18 months, one of her favorite treats was popcorn, but she couldn't yet produce the "kuh" sound. Remembering that one of the rules of creating a baby talk word is to simplify, I began to call popcorn "pop-pop." She loved this new word that she could pronounce, and the power it gave her to get what she wanted.

Often Isabel would take the lead in inventing a baby-talk word. As she turned two, she referred to our pet cat "Smokey" as "Mo." A few months later, she began to call him "Mokey" and then finally "Smokey" as she matured and was able to pronounce more difficult sounds. Baby talk seemed to help her progress naturally from one speech stage to the next.

There are many benefits to the time-honored tradition of speaking baby-talk to children. Babies get practice with simple sounds and short syllables as well as lots of opportunity for repetition. Don't miss out on using these special words with your baby.

Going beyond goo goo

Here's a great perspective from one speech-language pathologist who admits that she talks "baby talk" to babies. It might be really important for them.

Need a little more oomph?

Need a little more oomph?

Here are some simple strategies to give you the energy you might need to successfully soar through your day.

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Prioritize sleep

Americans, particularly women, are chronically sleep deprived. Inadequate sleep not only sucks the life out of your daily activities, it is actually damaging to your health, too. Sleep experts recommend a nightly seven to nine hours of solid sleep. Adjust your schedule to accommodate sufficient sleep and you'll be surprised how much more energy you have.

Exercise daily

If the mere thought of exercise tires you, stop thinking and start moving. Believe it or not, expending energy actually begets energy. Physical activity strengthens your muscles and bones, making it easier for you to do your daily activities and it also boosts your immune system, which can protect you from cold- and flu-induced lethargy. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise every day.

Eat mini-meals throughout the day

One or two large meals a day is a surefire recipe for fatigue. A large meal requires digestive energy, taking energy away from your brain and the rest of your body, and it causes an eventual blood sugar crash, which will also leave you in a heap of tired. Starting with breakfast, have four to six smaller meals — eating every three to four hours. This will keep you from feeling physically and mentally sluggish and will help keep your blood sugar stable.

Have balanced meals and snacks

Whether it is a snack or substantial meal, make sure it is comprised of complex carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits and vegetables), protein (lean meats, eggs, nuts, soy, and low-fat dairy), and healthy fats (olives, olive oil, avocado, flax and fatty fish). Having all three nutrients in a meal will better ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs while helping to maintain stable blood sugar.

Stay hydrated

Dehydration is a common culprit in fatigue. Start your day with a tall, cold glass of water and continue to drink a glass every two hours. (Experts recommend eight (8-ounce) glasses of water every day.) Staying hydrated will not only keep your energy up, it also improves your metabolism and other bodily functions.

Relax and de-stress

No surprise, stress is an energy-suck. It tires your mind and your body in addition to taking a toll on your immune system and health. Take 20 minutes every day to relax and de-stress. Do yoga, meditation, or simple deep breathing. Get a massage, go for a walk or take a quiet bubble bath. Incorporating daily de-stress measures will unburden your mind and body and help unleash your inner energy.

Give yourself something to anticipate

Having something fun to look forward to every day will boost your mental — and physical — energy. Schedule a lunch date with a friend, plan a park outing with your kids, make a date with your spouse or significant other — just make sure that you plan something you find enjoyable. That alone will give you an extra push to bound out of bed with élan.

Need a little more oomph?

Here are some simple strategies to give you the energy you might need to successfully soar through your day.

“The Sleep Deprivation Made Me Do It!”

When you’re operating on minimal shuteye, you do some pretty silly things. Parents in Huggies’ Facebook community share the stories they’re still laughing about with friends.

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“I put ice-cream in the pantry once instead of back in the fridge, and looked for it for all day,”
—Laura H.

“I would try to make phone calls with the TV remote.”
—Marie V.

“We were going to some fancy-schmancy event (can’t remember where exactly). Needless to say, we were all dressed up—hair, makeup, etc.—and we drove to the event and I had to tell my husband to go back home…I had left without any shoes!”
—Shelby B.

“I found my keys in the freezer.”
—Stacey D.

“I was napping with the baby and my older children asked if they could go outside. Half asleep, I insisted they walk the fish first.”’
—Denise W.

“I once poured pumped breast milk in hubby’s cereal. And used formula in place of flour for gravy.”
—Samantha R.

“I tried to scramble eggshells after cracking the eggs into the trash.”
—Nanci S.

“One night I was so tired that I actually went to go to the bathroom and nearly used my 2-year-old’s potty chair!”—Sara B. “I put hand sanitizer on my toothbrush. Thank goodness I realized what I was doing.”
—Susan P.

“I was talking to my honey on his lunch break while trying to find my cell phone. I kept telling him I couldn’t find my phone. He asked, ‘Aren’t you on it?!’ I was.”
—Heather M.

“The Sleep Deprivation Made Me Do It!”

When you’re operating on minimal shuteye, you do some pretty silly things. Parents in Huggies’ Facebook community share the stories they’re still laughing about with friends.

Dealing with it: Top seven mommy stress busters

Life before was stressful enough. But add a baby and watch out. This mom’s seven tips can really help when your day-to-day with baby feels too tense.

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You’re stuck in traffic. The baby’s crying. And the office is calling. Life with baby is amazing. And amazingly stressful. Here are some of the ways I deal when I feel stretched too thin and ready to crack.

Listen to classical music

Okay, it doesn't have to be classical if you really don't like it, but I have found that in some stressful situations (exams, work deadlines, etc.) putting some classical music in my iPod really helps me to cool down.

Exercise more

Exercise is one of the best ways to de-stress your body and mind.

Ditch the bad friends

There is a great Buddhist master called Shantideva who said, "Bad friends are like rotting fish and you are like a rose. Mix the rose with the fish and soon it will stink too!"

Cut out fatty foods

Fatty foods often leave you feeling heavy and depressed. They slow down your digestive system and make everything inside you a little bit off. Like a good car, you want to feed yourself quality fuel. This keeps your body and your mind running well. Stick to natural foods like fruits and vegetables as much as you can. You will feel better for it.

Stop putting it off

When I put things off I get stressed. Whether it is work, tasks, doctors visits or something else, it always seems bigger and scarier when I put it off. If we sort out our problems early we can often avoid the mental activities that go along with that event.

Spa, stretch and massage often

Women often think of spas and massages as luxury treats but if you are a member of a gym you can get them pretty cheap. It is a great way to relax your mind and allow your body to have some much needed rest time. It can also aid in the healing of muscles and stressed joints. Likewise, stretching during the day can release tension in your muscles.

Sleep better

Lack of sleep has got to be one of the number one reasons that people get stressed. Sleep is very important to humans. It is the time when the body and the mind process the events of the day and much healing takes place when you are deeply asleep. For this reason it is important to make sure your sleep is not only long enough but good enough.

There are a couple other ones I can think of but didn't add to my list because I have yet to try them out — they include "love" (ahem) and the ability to blow things off. My dominant, type A personality absolutely cannot do this, but it may work for you.

Dealing with it: Top seven mommy stress busters

Life before was stressful enough. But add a baby and watch out. This mom’s seven tips can really help when your day-to-day with baby feels too tense.

Between working, housecleaning, cooking dinner, carpooling and taking kids to all those activities, here are some items that can help you get organized, reduce stress and stay sane.

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Making life easier

Are you familiar with the Amelia Bedelia book cover on which Amelia is running (and smiling) with perfectly rosy cheeks, a freshly baked pie in hand, her apron and shoes on, and even a cute hat on her head? She appears to have it all together in the midst of what is assumed to be a moment of chaos. Truth be told, many days I feel like Amelia. However, I'm in sweats, my hair is disheveled, I'm makeup-free, barefoot, and carrying a bowl of Raisin Bran above my head so my dogs don't get it. Sometimes I wonder if the kind of woman Amelia Bedelia represents truly exists. Never mind — if she does, I don't want to know about it.

Luckily, there are several products and habits that will make life as a busy mom easier to manage, and, at a minimum, make us feel as though we've got it under control. Here are some stress less tips for busy moms.

Stress less tip #1: Get a bluetooth

A bluetooth headset is a very important staple. As a busy mom, you will want to have conversations with other adults (possibly even telemarketers) just to keep in touch with the outside world. I always thought all those people driving their cars wearing bluetooth looked extremely silly. However, I will readily admit that they figured out a secret to surviving the madness earlier than I did. They can do whatever they are doing (in their case, driving) and talk on the phone at the same time. It's a beautiful thing. The headset phone allows you to talk while you cook, clean, change diapers, make bottles — you name it! Your neck will thank you, trust me. Invest in a headset for your current phone or get a headset phone altogether if your current phone will not accommodate a headset attachment.

Stress less tip #2: Chocolate

If you ever feel guilty about consuming this heavenly delight that can improve even the worst of moods, consider this: Chocolate is actually a vegetable. That's right, folks. Think of it this way: Chocolate is derived from the cocoa bean and bean equals vegetable, right? Sugar is derived from either sugar cane or sugar beets, both of which are plants — in the vegetable family. Thus, chocolate is a vegetable (plus, chocolate bars contain dairy, which is good for your bones). Need I say more?

Stress less tip #3: Paint it pretty

Color therapy was likely first practiced by the Ancient Egyptians, who shone sunlight through colored gems onto those who sought healing. Today, this therapy is used in many of the nation's premier spas as a way to soothe the frazzled mind and assist with meditation. Tones of blue have been shown to encourage relaxation and tranquility as well as inspire patience and calming thoughts. If it works with the neighboring rooms' decor, why not paint your primary work area a shade of blue? If blue simply will not work, know that greens and purples are also calming colors. Reds, yellows, and oranges, however, are stimulating. Try to avoid these colors in those areas where you spend a great deal of time. As I'm sure you're well aware, neither moms nor their kids need to be any more stimulated than they already are by 5:30 p.m.

I love this book. It is impossible not to find something on nearly every page of it that will evoke a fond or funny memory and make you smile even in your worst hour. I actually highlighted (way back when I had free time) my favorites so I could find them quickly. Some personal favorites: The Electric Company (TV show), funnel cake, and shorty skis. By the way, what ever happened to The Electric Company? Or 3-2-1 Contact for that matter.

Stress less tip #5: Visit 30-Day Gourmet

Are you as tired as I am of what I now refer to as the "4 o'clock panic?" This is when you stop to think, oftentimes out loud, "Okay, what are we going to have for dinner tonight?" (It's also usually about the same time your husband calls and asks the same question.) Until recently, five out of seven nights a week, that question was answered at my house with the word "cereal" or "pancakes." No longer. And not because I've suddenly become a devoted cook. I found out about a fabulous site product: 30 Day Gourmet. Their site allows you to download and test out for 30 days — and then order — a cookbook that will allow you to bake 30 nights' worth of meals in one "lazy Sunday afternoon" (as if such a thing exists anymore)! It can be modified, of course. Bake enough meals for two weeks if that's all you need. I am simply so pleased to be able to announce that "Tonight, we'll be having Chicken in a Pot. (Even though my four-year-old often responds with "Can't we just have pancakes?")

Stress less tip #6: Get a good chiropractor

What is the most common physical complaint of moms? Lower back pain. In a two-year study completed in 1990 by Britain's Medical Research Council, chiropractic treatment was found more effective than hospital out-patient care for lower back pain. Now, I realize that the image many of us get when thinking about getting a chiropractic adjustment is that of Madonna lying on a table having her neck whipped around in that Truth or Dare documentary of her Blind Ambition Tour, but I have become a firm believer in this alternative form of medicine.

I don't trust it to cure disease just yet, but in terms of helping my ever-aching back and neck, it's a godsend. According to Dr. Jennifer Wise, director of the Synergy Institute in Naperville, Illinois, "It has been my experience that integrating the arts of chiropractic and physical therapy in one setting benefits the patient, allowing them to achieve faster and more complete healing. As a chiropractor, I work to align the patient's skeletal structure, while our on-site physical therapist works with the patient's soft tissues to make the healing process occur more quickly. It is important to train the soft tissues to have memory and endurance so that postural correction is long lasting."

Stress less tip #7: Keep a small wallet

All moms know that given the opportunity, they could fill an L.L. Bean, large-sized duffel bag with supplies for a day away from home with their children. The key to not doing that (once you're truly beyond the "I have to take everything in the house with me" stage) is to ensure that your purse is not big enough to carry much more than the basic necessities. I make sure mine is only large enough to accommodate a wallet, cell phone, antibacterial gel, and SNICKERS bar. Same goes for wallets; buy a big one, and you're going to somehow acquire thirty credit cards (or a variety of Starbucks Buy-10-Get-1-Free cards and the like) and the poor contraption will be ready to explode at any moment. Find a wallet that is only large enough for your license, a credit card or two, and some cash.

Stress less tip #8: Claim your quiet time

Joseph Campbell said, "You must have a certain hour of the day when you do not know what was in the morning paper — a place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are, and what you might be." This time has become even more important in my daily routine than taking a shower (and many days, trust me, I do trade one for the other!). Life is a journey. Oftentimes, we feel as though we're lost and the map is missing somewhere under a big pile of toys. Who are we? What are we here for? What will we do with ourselves when our children actually leave the house one day?

Spending some spiritual quiet time each morning and/or evening is invaluable. It can keep you centered and focused, and remind you that there is something so much greater than you at work in your life. That fact allows me to let go of my need to control everything (at least for a moment or two). Three great books to get you started on your journey:

Wisdom of the Ages: 60 Days to Enlightenment by Wayne W. Dyer, The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle, and One Day My Soul Just Opened Up by Iyanla Vanzant.

Stress less tip #9: Get a cell phone

If you don't have a cell phone by this point — for any reason — I beg you to get one this evening. All women should have one for safety's sake. I'm certainly not encouraging anyone to have conversations while driving; however, I personally feel quite naked if I get halfway down the block and realize that I've forgotten my phone. While out and about, it's comforting to know you can be reached at any time if one of your children needs you.

Unfortunately, the most life-altering sanity-saver for busy moms has not yet been invented. I envision it as a robot of sorts that does everything from cleaning to cooking to dressing kids for school. One day, perhaps. For now, I'm sticking with low expectations and a HERSHEY'S Bar.

Between working, housecleaning, cooking dinner, carpooling and taking kids to all those activities, here are some items that can help you get organized, reduce stress and stay sane.

Shortcuts for short cuts

Forget about hiding your hair under a hat, and try out these six easy hairdos inspired by celebrity moms. You'll be out the door looking fabulous in five minutes.

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Add volume

If you want a 'do with a little more pizazz — perhaps you're channeling fellow sassy mom Denise Richards — Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play can give you that extra oomph your hair requires. After a quick shower, just blow-dry as usual. Turn your head over and spray. When you come back up for air, you'll notice your mane is as big and sexy as the spritzer had promised.

For a more elegant look, part your hair to the side, then sleek back. This look would go great with business attire or a fancy cocktail dress.

Keep it messy

If you've never been a fan of your wavy, or curly hair, that sentiment stops today. Enter Bouncy Spray by ISO. Spritz all over damp or towel-dried hair and scrunch. The result: Your tendrils will stay intact — they won't frizz, knot or flatten unevenly with this secret weapon.

Tie it back

You can keep your hair off your face while still looking as classy as can be with Goody Ouchless Rubber Bands (available at drugstores nationwide). After a quick shower (or not) sleek back your hair into a ponytail for an "everyday" hairstyle. Use hairspray for flyaways.

Try long sexy bangs

Surely you've seen Hollywood's "it" girl Nicole Richie with this style for years. She pulls off the look as a fun, single girl, and as a young new mom. If you want the sophisticated yet sexy style, the how-to is simple: After your shower, just part your hair, making sure that it's further to the side than your normal part. Bring the parted hair down and sweep to the side while wet. Take your hair dryer and dry on an angle, facing the flow of the strands, while making sure the hair stays firm on the forehead. After drying the bangs down and to the side, lightly spray with hair spray to maintain the look all day.

As for the rest of the hair, you can pull back the sides of your hair, leaving the bottom half of your hair down. Use Vidal Sassoon's Medium Wide Barrel Clips (they come in a pack of 12) to hold the hair down.

Or, leave your hair down and spray the rest with Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play for volume and texture.

Use a headband

You may have already started to see this hair trend, but more and more women are using headbands unconventionally. What do we mean by that, you ask? We're talking about wearing your headband loosely on your head or across your forehead. The somewhat hippie style is catching on fast, and the best part is, it's perfect for the lazy or busy mom.

Get a bob

If you don't want to fuss over your hair and try any of the shortcuts we mentioned, you should opt for a bob à la Katie Holmes. It's the type of style that requires little maintenance, if any at all. You can just wake up and step out the door. Or, after a quick shower, just blowdry as usual and go. No wonder Katie always looks so fabulous and relaxed.

Shortcuts for short cuts

Forget about hiding your hair under a hat, and try out these six easy hairdos inspired by celebrity moms. You'll be out the door looking fabulous in five minutes.

Introducing the New Huggies® Rewards

Our Points Structure Has Changed

We are changing our Rewards Points structure so that we can improve our Huggies® Rewards program to offer you more ways to earn points. So, we are multiplying the cost of Rewards items by 10. But don't worry, your points balance is also multiplied by 10!

See How Rewards Has Changed

Watch this helpful video to learn more about all of the great improvements made to the Huggies® Rewards program.

Say Goodbye to Rewards Codes

You asked, we listened! Introducing a new way to get your Huggies® Rewards Points. Now you can earn points faster by uploading and submitting a photo of your receipt for all of your favourite Huggies® Diapers and Wipes purchases.

Submit Your Receipts

There's a faster way to get your Huggies® Rewards Points! Earn points by uploading and submitting a photo of your receipt for all Huggies® Diapers and Wipes. You'll even get 2x the points for your first receipt submission!

Get More Points!

New Huggies® Rewards App

Get the most out of your Huggies® Rewards experience. The new Rewards app has all the same great features as the website, right at your fingertips. Available in the App Store® and get it on Google Play™.

Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

Android, Google Play, and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

I love these diapers!!!!! I tried pampers on my daughter but she would pee through them and then tried luvs and found out she is allergic to them. Then I tried theses out and they work the best with her. She sleeps through the night in one and doesn't pee though it.

Huggies wipes and diapers are a MUST in my house! It was love at first use! I have been faithful to huggies since my first son (seven years ago) and we will continue to be with my youngest son...! We love you huggies!!! ♡♡♡